Laboratory Operations Technician

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Lab Operations Technician to support day-to-day laboratory operations. This role is critical to maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment, enabling scientists to work efficiently. The Lab Technician will report to the Lab Operations Manager. This is a 6 month temp position.

• Perform glassware cleaning, drying, and autoclaving according to established protocols
• Perform routine decontamination of work spaces used for high-potency compound handling, including:
  • Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
  • Ventilated Balance Enclosures (VBEs)
  • Fume Hoods
• Dispose of hazardous and contaminated waste in accordance with safety guidelines
• Maintain general lab cleanliness, including benches, shared equipment, and common areas

• Monitor inventory levels and proactively replenish lab supplies across lab areas
• Place routine orders for lab supplies and consumables, or coordinate lab operations as needed
• Receive, unpack, and properly store incoming materials and chemicals

• Perform basic troubleshooting of lab equipment and infrastructure and elevate issues when appropriate
• Perform routine upkeep tasks such as freezer defrosting and gas handling
• Assist with simple setup tasks for experiments as needed
• Prepare buffers, media, and common reagents according to established protocols

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings
• Experienced with troubleshooting and maintenance of complex analytical instruments
• Familiarity with basic lab techniques and safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical waste
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate records
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks with consistency and care
• Ability to lift/move boxes (up to 50 pounds)

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical research laboratory setting
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation, including chromatography and mass‑spec, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, automation, microscopy, and crystallization (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS, DSC, TGA, XRPD, Laser Diffraction)
• Previous experience working in GLP‑compliant environments

• Pay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hour
• This role ison-sitein El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):

• Flexible PTO policy +12 paid holidays
• 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options
• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed

• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and mission‑success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging
• Dog‑friendly office space

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are…